Essonne Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Īle-de-FranceEssonne - lively, interesting and relaxing
Essonne lies so close to Paris that it is easy to combine a holiday in the capital city with a little more relaxing time spent in the south of Essonne. Alternatively, a base in the northern Essonne is ideal for venturing into Paris on a series of day trips. Essonne has some lively and interesting towns to visit, a collection of very impressive chateaux and gardens, opportunities to take part in numerous sports and leisure activities and a great programme of festivals and cultural events.Top 5 things to see and do in the Essonne
1. Visit castles and gardens
The department is noted for its chateaux, because of the twenty-one listed chateaux of the region, this department boasts seven. Visits to the castles and their beautiful gardens are ideal activities for a romantic break, and couples will also find that Essonne has a great choice of luxury places to stay.2. Explore forests
There are no less than four forests in the Essonne, and these provide wonderful woodland walks, nature trails and the chance to enjoy not just a little peace and quiet in a lovely green space, but also to discover the flora and fauna that thrive there. Forests, like the one near lovely Milly la Forêt, are perfect for relaxed family days out, walking or cycling and enjoying the unspoilt greenery and fresh air.3. Enjoy the museums
The Essonne is home to some really excellent museums, so if you want to know more about this important area of France and its amazing cultural heritage, take time to visit them. You can find museums dedicated to the area's artists, technical skills and to its history and religion.4. Eat and drink
Essonne benefits from its proximity to Paris, and has a sophisticated and cosmopolitan approach to eating and drinking, making it an ideal destination for those who like nothing better than having a great choice of cuisines and restaurants to pick from every lunch time or evening. Local specialities are also available, and gastronomic tours will help you to discover the best of the gastronomy of the Essonne.5. Jean Baptiste Salis Flying Museum
For something a little different, take a trip to the Jean Baptiste Salis Flying Museum. The early days of aviation are brought vividly to life here, in this celebration of propeller driven aeroplanes and the life and work of Jean Baptiste Salis, who, aged just sixteen, flew his home-restored Dragonfly plane over Mont Blanc in 1912. Aerobatic displays, museum tours and a fabulous air festival and show at Whitsun are part of the activities of this brilliant museum.Top 5 towns and cities in the Essonne
1. Evry
The capital city of the Essonne is Evry. This is no ancient city, as are so many French departmental capitals, but a modern new town, purpose built to serve as a suburb of Paris. Don't disregard Evry on this score, however, as in spite of its lack of heritage and history it has many advantages. Among these are ease of access to Paris, an abundance of hotels, restaurants, a state of the art shopping centre and other modern facilities, as you might expect of a new town. But there is also worthy architecture, in the form of the superb cathedral, the newest in France, an interesting mosque, and a few signs of days gone by in the form of some elegant old houses.2. Etampes
Sometimes referred to as "Little Venice", thanks to its river setting and many waterways nearby, Etampes has several sights of interest in addition to its charming atmosphere. Worth seeing are the Notre Dame Cathedral, the ruined tower "Guninette", the churches with Romanesque features and some important non religious buildings dating from the Renaissance period. There are also museums, restaurants and shops to enjoy in Etampes.3. Dourdan
Dourdan is a jewel of a town in a glorious setting, surrounded by the Royal Forest of Dourdan. Among its attractions are an historic castle (with links to Joan of Arc and the French royal family), an interesting church and a 19th century market hall.4. Milly la Forêt
Another town set amongst the stunning forestry land of the Essonne department, Milly la Forêt is one of the most delightful market towns you will ever see. Its original covered market place has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. It is also a reputed centre for medicinal healing, and is the producer of many herbs and other natural and gastronomic products. Within the enchanted forest that surrounds the town, there is a surprise called the Cyclops awaiting you!5. Bièvres
Bièvres is an attractive small town which has the River Bièvres running through its heart. The name of the town means "beaver" and there is a chance you may see one of these creatures if you keep your eyes peeled! It is just a small town, but there is a lovely Town Hall to see and a good photography museum to visit. There is also a Festival of Photography which is an excellent event for anyone interested in this art.Food and drink in the Essonne
The modern, cosmopolitan outlook and nature of much of the Essonne department means that here is a place that you can find a multitude of gastronomic pleasures. Many different cuisines are represented, and you can dine out at all levels from Michelin-starred restaurants to local cafés and bars offering simple food.That said, Essonne does have its own gastronomic specialities, which include Menthe de Milly and Miele de Milly from Milly la Forêt, Melun Brie, river trout "au cresson" and wild rabbit from the forests for which this department is so famed.
